The Umbrellas of Cherbourg-OST

DSCN2257This record was $3.20. If you have been paying attention, you might know that I am still posting mostly records I bought during the Memorial Day Sale in May. This record was purchased during the Labor Day Sale this month. I have moved it up significantly so that should tell you who I feel about it.

16yuve5tt0tukhqn6jqsip0f0x6The Umbrellas of Cherboug is a French film directed by Jacques Demy. Released in 1964, it stars Catherine Deneuve and Nino Castelmuovo. The film is the middle piece of Demy’s “Romantic Trilogy” along with 1961’s Lola and 1967’s The Young Girls of Rochefort in 1967.

The Movie’s IMDB Page

936full-the-umbrellas-of-cherbourg-screenshotIn the film, Deneuve and Castelnuovo play a pair of young lovers, Genevieve and Guy, who plan to marry but first, Guy must complete his military service. During this time, Genevieve’s mother falls into financial distress and stuff happens accordingly. The ending is either happy or sad but no doubt very French.

UC-2What makes Umbrellas stand out is that the dialogue in the film is recitative (sung). So it is very musically driven. Additionally the actors voices were overdubbed for the complete movie. Danielle Licari sang for Genevieve and Jose Bartel sang Guy’s parts. This gives the movie a quirky yet delightful style. Music wise, this film led to Michel Legrand’s rise in Hollywood as a composer which would lead to three Oscars.

umbrellas-of-cherbourg

Just as important as the song is Demy’s use of color. Note the bright and vivid colors used in the pictures on this post. The use of bright backgrounds and costumes really gives the movie its tone. Very similar to Wes Anderson’s work.umbrella-of-cherbourg-5

Ok. I am the first to admit that either operatic or French movies are not for everyone yet alone the two combined, but a great story combined with good songs, and great visuals makes for a great movie. Critics felt so, anyway. The movie was a significant hit in France. It also found some success in the US.

DSCN2258In terms of the music, two sections, “I Will Wait for You” and “Watch What Happens” became hits. These were covered by numerous artists in both French and English. Below is a preview with “I Will Wait for You”.

10159_4For a sample, I was conflicted on what to play. As the music is continuous, I had to post excerpts. So I have decided to post one long excerpt and one short excerpt. The long excerpt is from the beginning of the play. Guy and Genevieve make plans to meet that night. They discuss the future briefly as well as their plans to get married. Later, Genevieve’s mother chastises Genevieve for being too young to marry. She also notes that Guy has yet to complete his military service. At this time, Genevieve’s mother gets a letter notifying her of a massive debt. Unsure what to do, they decide to sell some jewels. The jeweler, however, can not give them the money they need. A jewelry dealer, Roland Cassard, overhears their peril and offers to assist in the sale of the items. This sets up the main conflict of the story. In the short excerpt, this is just the first two minutes of the above.

umbrellasofcherbourgAgain, this is purely a matter of taste, but I think this is a great movie and a great soundtrack. Top Rating.

 

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